Embark on a journey to experience the unique attractions of Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture. At Tenju Sake Brewery, savor winter-exclusive freshly brewed sake and learn about traditional brewing techniques.Please note that brewery tours are not available on weekends. Visit the Chokai Wooden Toy Museum to enjoy locally crafted wooden toys and large-scale play equipments. Explore the Akada Great Buddha, a wooden statue standing approximately 9.1 meters tall, constructed in the mid-Edo period.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Akita Station or your hotel in Akita
Akada Great Buddha: A Hidden Gem The Akada Great Buddha
The Akada Great Buddha, located in Yurihonjo City, is a towering wooden statue standing approximately 9 meters tall. Known as the "Hase Kannon," it is considered one of Japan's three great Hase Kannon statues. The statue is housed within a temple, and visitors can open the wooden doors to reveal the magnificent figure, adorned with gold leaf. The serene atmosphere and the statue's intricate craftsmanship offer a profound and contemplative experience, reflecting the region's spiritual and artistic heritage
Chokaisan Wooden Toy Museum
Housed in the former Ayukawa Elementary School, a wooden structure over 60 years old, the Chokaisan Wooden Toy Museum opened in July 2018. The museum features a vast collection of wooden toys and playground equipment crafted from local timber, offering a tactile and nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages. Interactive zones such as "Mori no Asobiba" allow guests to engage with various playhouses and a pool filled with wooden acorns, while "Tedzukuri Kobo" provides hands-on workshops to create original toys using wood and bamboo. The museum also includes exhibition rooms showcasing local cultural artifacts, preserving and promoting the region's traditional heritage.
Tenju Sake Brewery
Established in 1830, Tenju Sake Brewery is a family-owned establishment nestled at the foot of Mount Chokai in Yashima Town. The brewery utilizes the pristine, naturally filtered water from Mount Chokai and locally cultivated sake rice to produce high-quality sake. During the winter months, visitors can witness the meticulous brewing process and savor freshly pressed sake, known for its clean and well-rounded flavor. This experience provides insight into the traditional methods and dedication that have sustained Tenju's reputation for nearly two centuries
Ending Point
JR Akita Station or your location
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
private car / Audi 5 seaters SUV
transportation expenses
-king fee
-highway fee
-cost of gasoline
lunch (6~8USD)
the sake brewery tour fee (6~7USD)
the admission fee for the wooden toy museum (5~6USD)
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Kindly be aware that sake brewery tours are typically NOT offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
I am a licensed tour guide in Akita.
I'm on a mission to unveil the enchanting allure of Akita Prefecture to the world.
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Kyoto, Akita Prefecture boasts a traditional Japanese landscape that's as unique as it is captivating. My passion lies in ensuring that every visitor, no matter where they're from, experiences the richness of Akita's nature and culture.
Debbie S.
“Kakunodate family adventure ”
Minsko is such a sweet person :) she picked us up at the port in Akita, took us on the bullet train to the Samurai village, we made coasters out of cherry wood, had a delicious lunch in a cute local restaurant, toured a museum, visited Akita dogs, went to a second Samurai home, and did some shopping. We had a wonderful day and and some amazing photos. Thank you so much for an amazing day.
Minako M.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure showing you around Akita and the samurai village. I’m so glad you enjoyed making cherry wood coasters, meeting the Akita dogs, and exploring the local sights (and restaurants)! Your son is so handsome and was great to chat with; your daughter is beautiful, and I could really feel how much you cherish your family. Your photos look fantastic—I had a wonderful time with you all. Wishing you even more unforgettable moments during the rest of your journey!
Luis T.
“Great guide!”
Enthusiastic guide with excellent English and knowledge of the city and its cultural traits.
Minako M.
Dear Luis, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Akita. Your kind words truly mean a lot to me. It’s great to know the tour became a memorable part of your trip. I’m so grateful that you took the time to write a review—thank you again!
Jorge V.
“Akita Tour: History, Culture, and Local Cuisine”
Our visit to Akita was an unforgettable experience. Minako’s attention to detail and her deep knowledge of the city were truly unmatched. We especially appreciated her warm and kind demeanor, always attentive and willing to adapt to our needs and interests. After many years of traveling and meeting numerous guides, we can confidently say that Minako is one of the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Minako M.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I’m truly honored to hear that you enjoyed your time in Akita and that my guiding made a positive impression. Your words mean a lot to me and motivate me to continue providing the best experiences possible for future guests. It was a pleasure meeting you and showing you around my hometown. I sincerely hope our paths will cross again someday. Wishing you all the best in your future travels!
$352/ per group